Sports Equipment Stand

ABSTRACT

A portable stand having retractable arms extending from vertically-extending central trunk is described. The arms when deployed are at least slightly upwardly angled so that a baseball player can slide his glove, his hat and his batting helmet there over to store them when not in use. Typically, enough arms are provided along the trunk to permit an entire team to store their equipment on the stand with each player having his own arm to use. In variations, a topper is provided that has outwardly extending arms and spaced fingers that permit baseball bats to be hung there from. Variations can be used to store player equipment from other sports.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/553,293 filed on Sep. 1, 2018 entitled Baseball Equipment Stand and having the same inventor as the present application.

BACKGROUND

Baseball and softball are very popular in the United States and around the world. Both sports are played recreationally by millions of people. Youth baseball is very popular with leagues and clubs existing in almost all parts of the country.

Each player typically has his/her own equipment including at least a bat, a baseball hat, a glove and a batting helmet. Not all ball fields include dugout areas, but even those that do, very few provide storage means, such as cubbies, in which each player can individually store his/her equipment. Rather, most players of recreational ball resort to storing their equipment on the ground often next to the equipment of other players. The equipment can be stepped on, tripped over and confused with the equipment of others as a player hurries to grab his/her stuff and head out to the field. Equipment strewn all over also adds to the appearance of disorganization.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled sports equipment stand according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sports equipment stand according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the sports equipment stand specifically illustrating the arm in an extended position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the sports equipment stand specifically illustrating an arm in a retracted position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross sectional view of the sports equipment stand specifically illustrating the arm in a partially extended position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the sports equipment stand specifically illustrating legs of the base section in an extended configuration.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an assembled sports equipment stand with baseball bats, helmets and gloves stored on the stand according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention comprise a portable stand having retractable arms extending from vertically-extending central trunk. The arms when deployed are at least slightly upwardly angled so that a player can slide his glove, his batting helmet and possibly his hat there over to store them when not in use. Typically, enough arms are provided along the trunk to permit an entire team to store their equipment on the stand with each player having his own arm to use. In variations, a topper is provided that has outwardly extending arms and spaced fingers that permit baseball bats to be hung there from. Variations can be used to store player equipment from other sports.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning either or both.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and appended claims refers to an indirect or direct physical connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

The term “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a physical connection between identified elements, components, or objects, in which no other element, component, or object resides between those identified as being directly coupled.

The term “substantially” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given.

The term “about” and “generally” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given.

The terms “approximately” as used in this specification and appended claims, means mostly, or for the most part.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of a applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

An Embodiment of a Sports Equipment Stand

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an embodiment of a portable sports equipment stand 10 specifically configured to hold baseball equipment. The stand comprises a base section 12; one or more elongated trunk sections 14; and an optional topper section 16.

The base section includes a ground support portion 18, that typically has three or more legs 20 extending there from, although in some variations a single, typically weighted, disk can be provided to serve as a leg or support. The illustrated base section includes 4 legs that can be extended or retracted. An elongated base trunk portion 22 is provided at the center base section. It extends upwardly from the legs and can include flanges 24 proximate its bottom end to which the legs are secured. In most respects the elongated base trunk portion 22 is similar to the elongated trunk sections 14 including the inclusion of a plurality of equipment-holding arms 26 and their associated assemblies, which are described in greater detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, four legs 20 are provided and each is pivotally attached to a corresponding flange 24 of the base's trunk portion typically by way of a pivot bolt 28 and associated nut through pivot bores 30 & 32 in both the flange and the leg. Additional securing bores 34, 36 & 38 can be provided through the leg and the flange to in conjunction with a lock bolt 40 and wing nut 42 be used to lockably secure the legs in either the extended or retracted positions. The bore 36 in the flange to secure the legs in the retracted position is typically located vertically above the pivot bore 30, and the bore 38 to secure the legs in the extended position is located approximately horizontally from the pivot bore. FIG. 2 shows the legs in the retracted position; whereas, FIG. 6 shows the legs in an extended position with the locking bolt secured in the appropriate bores 34 & 38.

The legs 20 can be made from any suitable material but in one preferred embodiment comprise steel plate or bar stock with a foot 43 attached to the end thereof. The legs can also be comprised of an aluminum alloy as well as plastic or reinforced plastic materials. As shown the legs are relatively long (typically 10-12″ or more) to provide a stable base. Other types of locking mechanisms can be utilized to secure the legs in their extended and retracted positions. For instance, a clevis pin can be used in place of a threaded bolt and wing nut. Some embodiments can employ fixed legs and yet other embodiments can utilize legs that retract and extend by other means, such as telescoping legs and/or legs that fold over on to themselves.

As shown, each trunk section 14 comprises an elongated tubular body 44 having a square cross section and being made of steel. The configuration of the trunk section body can vary as can the material of which it is comprised. On each of the four sides of the body an arm assembly 46 is provided that includes a retractable/extendable equipment-holding arms 26. As can be seen in the figures the arm assemblies can be placed at similar vertical locations on a respective side as with the base trunk portion 22. Alternatively, the arm assemblies can be placed at different varied vertical locations as with the illustrated trunk sections wherein opposing arm assemblies are located at similar vertical locations but adjacent arm assemblies are positioned above or below the other.

The arm assembly 46 is best illustrated in the cross section of FIG. 5. It comprises a retractable and extendable trunk arm 26 that is pivotally coupled to an arm receiving insert 50 at a bottom end of each by way of a pivot pin 56. The insert is received into the trunk body 44 through a cutout in the respective side of the body and secured in place, such as by welding. The arm is configured to retract into the insert and have its outer surface that rests approximately flush with the side of the body. The insert can include a bottom gusset 52 or stop typically disposed at an angle of about 20-45 degrees off of horizontal that acts as a stop to set the angle of the trunk arm when extended. The insert can also include a magnet 54 along a back side of the insert that acts to hold the steel arm in the retracted position.

The actual configuration of the insert can vary significantly amount variations and embodiments, but as illustrated essentially comprises a box with an open side from which the arm 26 is pivoted in and out of the box and the interior of the trunk body 44. Most importantly, the insert provides a means for pivotally coupling the arm 26 to the trunk section 42 and provides a stop, such as the gusset 52 to set the angle of the arm when extended. Variations are contemplated wherein the arm 26 is directly attached to the body by way of a pivot pin and a stop is secured directly to the body obviating the insert altogether. Further, other variations are contemplated wherein the pivot includes a biasing mechanism and position securing detents to hold the arm in either the retracted or extended positions thereby dispensing with the need for the magnet.

The equipment-holding arms 26 are typically made of steel although any other suitable material can be used. A steel or magnetic insert may need to be secured the arm if it is not made of steel and the aforementioned magnet 54 located in the insert 50 is to be used to hold the arm in its retracted position. As shown the arm comprises a tube with a square cross section but the configuration of the arm can vary. The arm is about 8-10″ long, which is typically sufficient to allow a ballplayer to store his/her glove and batting helmet thereon as can be seen in FIG. 7.

Each top end of a trunk sections 14 and the base trunk portion 22 is configured to nest with a bottom end of another trunk section. In this fashion, the stand 10 can be assembled from the base section 12 and one or more trunk sections. As illustrated a bottom end of the first trunk section is received into the top end of the base trunk portion and a bottom end the second trunk section is received into the top end of the bottom end of the first trunk section. The mechanism by which the trunk sections and base trunk section nest can vary but typically a smaller portion at the bottom end of the trunk section is received into a larger end of the larger top end of another trunk section or the base trunk portion. Often one or both of the top and bottom ends are formed to facilitate receipt into a mating end with lips or ledges being formed at the end of the formed section to ensure the one end is only received into a mating end of another section only a predetermined amount. In another variation, a sleeve is friction fitted into one of the top and bottom ends and is configured for slidable receipt into a corresponding mating end of another section, As can be appreciated there are numerous ways to securely join the trunk sections together to form an assembled stand.

An optional topper section 16 is also illustrated in several figures and can be seen individually in FIG. 2. The topper section as its name suggests is configured to be received on to the top end of the topmost trunk section 14. It is configured such that a plurality of baseball bats 102 can be hung from it as is best seen in FIG. 7. The topper section includes a center connector 58 adapted for receipt into the top end of the topmost trunk section. Typically, the center connector comprises a tubular sleeve of a similar cross section as the adjacent trunk section except with outside dimensions slightly small than the inside dimensions of the top of the trunk section. In this fashion, the topper can be attached to the stand.

Extending outwardly and approximately horizontally from center connector 58 are four topper arms 60 with each topper arm being orthogonally aligned relative to an adjacent topper arm. The topper arms typically comprise steel rod although other suitable materials can be used. As shown, four finger rods 62 extend outwardly, generally horizontally and generally orthogonally from each arm in the same direction. The finger rods on each topper arm are evenly spaced from one another a distance sufficient to receive the handle of a baseball bat 102 therein but close enough that the bat can hang from the fingers by way of its knob.

Other topper designs are contemplated that can hold a plurality of baseball bats. for instance the topper section can comprise a plate that has slots provided along its periphery that are sized to receive the handle of a bat just below the knob but are not so wide as to allow the knob to pass there through.

A Method of Using Embodiments of a Sports Equipment Stand

Typically, the portable sports equipment stand 10 is transported in is disassembled configuration with the legs and various arms also in their retracted positions. The various sections are sized to be received in a suitable equipment bag or container, which will typically have handles and/or a shoulder strap to facilitate easy carrying of the stand from a car or truck to a dugout. Upon removal from the bag the stand can be easily assembled for use.

Once at an assembly site, such as at the side of a baseball diamond at a school or park, the various disassembled components of the stand can be removed from the equipment container or bag. The legs 20 are placed into their extended positions as applicable. For the embodiment illustrated in the Figures, the various locking bolts 40 are removed from the locked position bores 36 in the various flanges 24, and the legs are pivoted into the extended position. The locking bolts are placed through the extended position locking bores 38 in the flanges and secured in place using the associated wing nuts 42. The stand is placed on a ground surface whether inside a dugout or along the side of the field.

The bottom of the first trunk section 14 is lowered into the top end of base trunk portion 22 and secured in place. Next, the bottom end of the second trunk section 14 is lowered on to the top end of the first trunk section and secured in place. If so equipped, the topper section 16 can be lowered on to the top of the second trunk section.

The various equipment holding arms 26 are extended, and the stand is ready for use. The illustrated stand has 12 equipment holding arms which is usually sufficient for each player on a baseball team to have on arm to use to store his equipment. Typically, the glove 104 is slid over the arm and then a player's batting helmet 106 is hung from the same arm. If the stand is equipped with the topper section, he/she can hang his/her bat from a pair of spaced finger rods 62. FIG. 7 illustrates the stand in combination with a plurality of bats, gloves, and batting helmets.

Other Embodiments and Variations

The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. For instance, there are numerous variations concerning the specific manner in which the ground support section and its legs are configured. There are also numerous means for connecting the various trunk sections together as well as numerous ways that the retractable equipment holding arms can be configured. 

I claim: 1) A portable sports equipment stand comprising: a base section, the base section having a ground support portion and a base trunk portion, the base trunk portion having top and bottom base ends and one or more base sides extending between the top and bottom ends, and the ground support portion comprising one or more legs extending outwardly from proximate the bottom base end; and one or more elongated trunk sections, each trunk section having (i) a body section with a trunk top end, a trunk bottom end, one or more trunk sides extending between the top and bottom trunk ends, and (ii) a plurality of equipment-holding trunk arms attached to the one or more trunk sides, each trunk arm having extended and retracted positions, the trunk arm being generally parallel with the one or more trunk sides when in the retracted position and the trunk arm extending upwardly at an acute angle relative to the respective elongated trunk section when in the extended position; wherein at least one end of each trunk sections is configured to attach to at least one end of (a) another trunk section, and (b) a top end of the base section. 2) The portable sports equipment stand of claim 1, wherein the one or more legs comprises three or more elongated legs having extended and retracted positions, each leg extending generally orthogonally from the base trunk portion when the extended position and each leg being generally parallel to the base trunk portion when in retracted position. 3) The portable sports equipment stand of claim 2, wherein each leg includes a locking mechanism to secure the leg in the extended position. 4) The portable sports equipment stand of claim 2, wherein each leg is pivotally attached to the base trunk portion. 5) The portable sports equipment stand of claim 1, wherein the base trunk portion includes a plurality of base arms attached to the one or more sides, each base arm having extended and retracted positions, the base arm being flush with the one or more base sides when in the retracted position and the base arm extending upwardly at an acute angle when in the extended position. 6) The portable sports equipment stand of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a bolt received through a bore on a flange of the base trunk portion and a bore passing through the leg. 7) The portable sports equipment stand of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more elongated trunk sections includes four trunk arms. 8) The portable equipment stand of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more trunk arms rest flush with a trunk side of the one or more trunk sides of each of the one or more elongated trunk sections. 9) The portable equipment stand of claim 1, wherein the acute angle is 25-45 degrees. 10) The portable equipment stand of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of trunk arms are pivotally attached to the one or more trunk sides of the one or more elongated trunk sections. 11) The portable equipment stand of claim 1, wherein each equipment-holding trunk arm has a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein the equipment-holding trunk arm is pivotally attached to the one or more trunk sides of the respective elongated trunk section of the one or more elongated trunk sections. 12) The portable equipment stand of claim 1, wherein each equipment-holding trunk arm is pivotally held in the retracted position by way of a magnet. 13) The portable sports equipment stand of claim 1, further comprising a topper section, the topper section configured to attach to a trunk top end of an elongated trunk section of the one or more elongated trunk sections at a center connector, the topper section comprising a plurality of topper arms extending radially from a center connector, and each topper arm including a plurality of spaced finger rods extending generally orthogonally from the topper arm. 14) The portable sports equipment stand of claim 13, wherein the spacing between each finger on the topper arm is configured to receive a handle of a baseball bat therein. 15) The combination of the portable sports equipment stand of claim 1, a plurality of baseball gloves, and plurality of baseball gloves, wherein a first baseball glove of the plurality of baseball gloves and a first batting helmet of the plurality of batting helmets is received on a first trunk arm of the plurality of trunk arms, and a second baseball glove of the plurality of baseball gloves and a second batting helmet of the plurality of batting helmets is received on a second trunk arm of the plurality of trunk arms. 16) The combination of the portable sports equipment stand of claim 13, a plurality of baseball gloves, plurality of baseball gloves and a plurality of bats, wherein a first baseball glove of the plurality of baseball gloves and a first batting helmet of the plurality of batting helmets is received on a first trunk arm of the plurality of trunk arms, a second baseball glove of the plurality of baseball gloves and a second batting helmet of the plurality of batting helmets is received on a second trunk arm of the plurality of trunk arms, and first and second baseball bats of the plurality of bats are each received between a pair of spaced finger rods of the plurality of spaced finger rods. 17) The portable sports equipment stand of claim 13 in combination with a storage container, the portable sports equipment stand being received in the storage container when in a disassembled configuration. 18) The portable sports equipment stand of claim 5, wherein the one or more elongated trunk sections comprises two elongated trunk sections. 19) A portable sports equipment stand comprising: a base section, the base section having a ground support portion and a base trunk portion, the base trunk portion having top and bottom base ends, one or more base sides extending between the top and bottom ends and a plurality of base arms attached to the one or more sides, each base arm having extended and retracted positions, the base arm being flush with the one or more base sides when in the retracted position and the base arm extending upwardly at an acute angle when in the extended position, and three or more elongated legs pivotally attached to the base trunk portion and having extended and retracted positions, each leg extending generally orthogonally from the base trunk portion when the extended position and each leg being generally parallel to the base trunk portion when in retracted position, each leg further having a locking mechanism to secure the leg in the extended position; and one or more elongated trunk sections, each trunk section having (i) a body section with a trunk top end, a trunk bottom end, one or more trunk sides extending between the top and bottom trunk ends, and (ii) a plurality of equipment-holding trunk arms pivotally attached to the one or more trunk sides, each trunk arm having extended and retracted positions, the trunk arm being flush with the one or more trunk sides when in the retracted position and the trunk arm extending upwardly at an acute angle of 25-45 degrees relative to the respective elongated trunk section when in the extended position; wherein at least one end of each trunk sections is configured to attach to at least one end of (a) another trunk section, and (b) a top end of the base section. 20) The portable sports equipment stand of claim 19, further comprising a topper section, the topper section configured to attach to a trunk top end of an elongated trunk section of the one or more elongated trunk sections at a center connector, the topper section comprising a plurality of topper arms extending radially from a center connector, and each topper arm including a plurality of spaced finger rods extending generally orthogonally from the topper arm 